Funding Announced for Iveagh Market Conservation

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, have announced approval in principle of €9 million under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) for essential conservation works at the Iveagh Markets.

The Iveagh Market complex is a protected structure and was developed by the Guinness family in 1907. The market closed in 1996, and has been disused ever since. Dublin City Council has made proposals to secure the fabric of the structure through a programme of essential works to be carried out to prevent this protected structure from continued decline.

The announcement of significant support funding by DHLGH now means this proposal can now progress.

Commenting Minister O’Brien said:
“I am very glad to be in a position to provide this funding for Dublin City Council to get on with urgent conservation works to secure the Iveagh Markets.

We’ve already seen what URDF funding has accomplished in this area with the fantastic public realm works which have been completed on Francis Street.

Now using further URDF funds we will be in a position to carry out essential works such as conservation repairs to the roofs and works to stabilise the Diocletian style arched windows and associated brickwork – all of which are vital to the integrity of the building,” he concluded.

Minister Noonan added:
“This vital funding will secure the fabric of the beloved Iveagh Markets in the heart of Dublin City and prevent any further deterioration.
While the future use and management of the building is not included in this specific project scope, it is my hope that the stabilisation of the building will lead to a participative, community-led process that envisions a thriving future for this iconic building as part of the wider redevelopment of Frances Street and Meath Street.

The people of the Liberties are rightly proud of their historic market traditions and have a deep sense of place, which the Iveagh markets has the potential to be emblematic of,” he concluded.

Following the announcement of funding by DHLGH, Dublin City Council announced the appointment of Howley Hayes Cooney Architects (Grade 1 Conservation Architects) to lead an integrated design team, whose role will be to carry out detailed condition surveys of the building; oversee some initial clear out and propping; develop and issue construction tender specifications and finally oversee the stabilisation works. The Design Team will begin this process in the coming weeks.

The stabilisation works will include –

• Repairs to the roofs, valleys, internal gutters, parapet and large roof-lights of the Wet Market and Dry Market.
• Repairs/reinstatement of the rainwater disposal system.
• Manage vegetation growth to the site and its structures.
• Protect and secure the windows and door.
• Provide safe access to structures to facilitate a regular inspection and maintenance.

The Council further announced that the initial work programme of clearance, propping and making safe will be undertaken in the coming months. This will provide secure access to all areas of the structure for investigation and surveys. The main stabilisation works will begin in 2024.

A number of legal proceedings in relation to the Iveagh Markets are currently before the courts.